Register regulator for printing presses



March 14, 1950 F. T. BAILEY ETAL REGISTER REGULATOR FOR PRINTING PRESSES3 Sheets-Sheet l v Filed Dec. 10, 1946 Nb! Mum MUN a ai 0 nvi Q wil 0NW2 MN MUN mfix G \N .RN M Q Q INVENTORS 529/2615 7150/4? y andfifegYhen A .Burgw/n.

ATTORNEY F. T. BAILEY EI'AL REGISTER REGULATOR FOR PRINTING PRESSESMarch 14, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 10, 1946 0 m im 3Sheets-Sheet 3 F. T. BAILEY ET AL REGISTER REGULATOR FOR PRINTINGPRESSES March 14, 1950 Fild Dec. 10, 1946 Iwllllllllu Lmll INVENTORSFFanc/l; TEa/ley and sfwhen LFuryzv/n.

ATTORNEY Y 'M'I'EIIIIIIIQI I F Patented Mar. 14, 1950 REGISTER REGULATORFOR PRINTING PRESSES Francis '1'. Bailey, Pittsburgh, and Stephen L.

Burgwin, Forest Hills, Pa., assignors to Westinghouse ElectricCorporation, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of PennsylvaniaApplication December lil, 1916, Serial No. 715,299

17 Claims. 1

Our invention relates to register regulators for printing presses, andmore particularly to photoelectrically controlled register regulatorsfor multi-color printing. The invention is related to those of thecopending applications Serial No. 715,239 filed December 10, 1946 by L.C. Poole, and Serial No. 715,300, filed December 10, 1946, now PatentNo. 2,480,835, by F. T. Bailey and S. L. Burgwin, both assigned to theassignee of the present application.

It is among the objects of the invention to provide a register regulatorsystem which combines improved performance and convenient and'accurateadjustability with a simplified photoelectric control equipment ascompared with known multi-color register controls. For instance, inknown register regulators for four-color printing (yellow, red, blue,black), two photoelectric scanning devices are used for registering eachof the red, blue and black impressions.with the yellow (first)impression. Hence, a total of twelve scanners would be needed formulti-color printing both sides of the paper web in two subsequentlyoperating groups of printing presses.

The appertaining electronic equipment, such as the scanner and mixercircuits, are'correspondlngly numerous. The invention, therefore, aimsat reducing the number of scanning devices as well as the number ofcircuit elements associated therewith. The invention also aims atimproving the circuit connections between the photoelectric scanners andthe appertaining electronic mixer circuits so as to secure a highaccuracy and fidelity of impulse transmission with a minimum ofelectronic equipment even it relatively long Another object of theinvention is to improve 0 the control systems for operating thecompensator motors in register regulators of the type above-referred to,so that the speed of each individual motor can readily be adjusted,within 50 a wide range, to suit the speed, or the transmission or gearratio of the driving equipment of each individual press with which thecompensator motor is to be associated.

It is also an object o! the invention to improve a register regulator,of the type referred to, as regards the accuracy and maintenance of thephotoelectrically controlled speed of the register control orcompensator motors and also to secure a proper accelerating conditionand load limitation for the motors.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description of the embodiment shown in the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of dual multi-color printingmachinery equipped with a longitudinal register regulator systemaccording to the invention;

Figs. 2, 3 and 4 show a plan view, front view, and cross-section,respectively, of a scanning wheel appertaining to the same registerregulator system;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of several control units andexternal connections appertaining to the system; and

Fig. 6 shows in detail a group of correlated and interconnected circuitdiagrams also relating to the register regulator system of themulti-colo press according to Fig. 1.

The printing press represented in Figure l is designed to produce twomulti-color prints on opposite sides of a paper web. The web W travelsfrom a supply wheel I over guide rollers, such as those denoted by 2,through the printing press YPI where the first (yellow) impression isproduced. Thence, the web travels over a compensator roller RRT to thered printing press RPI. The compensator roller RRI is horizontallydisplaceable under control by 'a reversible motor RCI. To this end, thebearing structure 3 of roller PRI is engaged by a threaded shaft 4 whichis driven from motor RCI through a gear box 5. Motor RCI and the bearingstructure 3 of compensator roller RRI remain at rest when the redimpression produced in press RPI is in register with the first (yellow)impression. A displacement of roller RBI in the horizontal directioncauses a lengthening or shortening of the loop Iormedby the web betweenthe printing presses YPI and RP! and, hence, permits shifting the yellowimpression in either direction rela-- tive to the red impression to beprinted in order to establish register.

' After leaving the printing press RP], the web 56 NCI, to the blackprinting press NPI. The

aaoopao motors BCI and NCI are connected with the appertainincompensator rollers and are controllable in the same manner as thecompensator motor ROI in order to individually lengthen or shorten theloops of web material for the purpose of placing the respective blue andblack impressions in accurate register with the yellow impression.

At the end of the above-mentioned travel of the web, the multi-colorprint is completed on one side of the web. The web then passes over aback-up compensator roller BUR to the yellow printing press YP2 of thesecond group of printing units. The bearing structure 6 of roller BUR isvertically displaceable by means of a threaded shaft 8 under control bya reversible motor BUC. The appertaining motor control system isrepresented schematically at BUE. It has two push buttons URA and URBwhich permit operating the motor BUC in one or the other direction,thereby lifting or lowering the roller BUR. In this manner, the back-upcompensator controls the length of the loop extending between the last(black) printing press NPI of the first group of presses and the first(yellow) printing press YP2 of the second group. This permits anaccurate positioning of the second color print, located on the oppositepage of the sheet, relative to the first color print. The back-upcompensator does not require the high accuracy of adjustment of theother compensating devices and for that reason is controlled separatelyfrom the automatic control devices described hereinafter. The back-upcompensator is adjusted when setting the machinery for a new printingsequence and, as a rule, requires only little readjustment during theoperation of the machinery.

After leaving the yellow printing press YP2, the web travels over acompensating roller RR2, adjustable by a motor RC2, through the redprinting press RP2, thence over a compensating roller BR2, adjustable bya motor BC2, through the blue printing press'BP2 and then over acompensator roller'NRZ, adjustable by a motor N02, to the black printingpress NBZ of the second group of presses. When the web leaves press NP2,the print on the other side of the web is completed and the web passesin the direction of the arrow 9 to the folding and cutting equipment(not illustrated). Drying devices may be located between the individualprinting presses but are not shownin the drawings because such auxiliarydevices are usually employed in machincry of this kind and are notessential to the invention proper.

The individual printing presses of the abovedescribed machine are drivenfrom a common line shaft ML operated by a line shaft motor or primemover MM. r

The compensator motors RCI, BCI, NCi, RC2, B02 and NC2 are connected torespective motor control systems which permit selectively a manual orautomatic control. When these systems are set for automatic control, thecompensator motors are governed by a photoelectric scanning system whichincludes a master scanner or impulse transmitter MS and two groups ofcolor scanners denoted by RSI, BSI, NSI and RS2, BS2, NS2, respectively.The master scanner MS serves to produce periodic electric impulses insynchronism with the operation of the two yellow (master) printingpresses YPI and YP2. To this end, the master scanner MS may be arrangedclose to one of the yellow" printing presses, preferably press YPI, sothat it is focused onto the web to respond to the register marks at aplace shortly behind the press relative to the travel direction of theweb. In the illustrated embodiment, however, a different arrangement ofthe master scanner is represented. As shown, the master scanner MScooperates with a scanning wheel MSD which is driven in synchronlsm withthe yellow presses. In the illustrated embodiment, the scanning wheelMSD is mounted on the line shaft ML of the printing press and designedin the manner shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4.

According to Figs. 2, 3 and 4, the scanning wheel MSD sits on a conicalbushing I I which engages the line shaft ML. A fastening device,equipped with a set of tightening screws l2, serves to secure the discMSD on the bushing while forcing the bushing against the line shaft ML.The scanning wheel may consist of aluminum. Its peripheral or rimportion is preferably sandor shot-blasted to offer a light-diffusingsurface. A number of regularly spaced slots l3, for instance eight, aremachined into the peripheral portion of the wheel to form interruptionsof the reflective surface. These slots extend in parallel to the wheelaxis.

The master scanner MS is focused onto the peripheral surface of thescanning wheel MSD so that the light emanating from the light source ofthe scanner is reflected back to the scanner from the wheel surface. Theslots l3 then cause a complete interception of the light with the resultthat a corresponding electric impulse is issued by the scanner each timea slot passes through the focal area of the scanner.

The master scanner MS has its housing engaged by a threaded shaft 14which is controlled by a reversible motor MC to permit a positionaladjustment of the scanner and its focal spot relative to the path ofmovement of the wheel periphery.

The color" scanners are displaceable in parallel to the web movementunder control by reversible motors RAi, BAI, NAI, RA2, HA2 and NAZ. Tothis end, each scanner, for instance as shown for scanner NSI, isengaged by a threaded shaft l5 which is connected to the armature of theappertaining motor NAi. Each yellow printing press imprints a series ofsmall linear register marks in equally spaced intervals, these marksoccurring in fixed positional relation to the scanning slots IS in thescanning wheel MSD. When these marks pass through the focal spot of thecolor scanners, they cause these scanners to issue respective series ofimpulses. When these color" impulses occur in a given time relation to(preferably simultaneously with) the impulses from the masterscanner-MS, the color impression in the appertaining press unit is inexact register with the yellow imprint. In order to have the regulatormaintain such' an exact register, an accurate adjustment of each scannerrelative to the printing place of the appertaining color impression isrequired, and the above-described means for individually displacing thescanners in parallel to the path of web travel permit making suchadjustments more readily and within shorter time that it has heretoforebeen possible in known multicolor register regulators.

It should be noted that, according to the invention, only one impulsetransmitter, namely, the master scanner MS. is used to provide thereference impulses for both groups of printing presses and that, inaddition, only one color scanner is employed for the red, blue and blackprinting units respectively of each group. Consequently, the totalnumber of scanners amounts to only seven as compared with the twelvescanners required for dual-page multi-color presses according to theabove-mentioned known system. It will be understood that, by virtue ofthe present invention, the design and extent of the appertainingelectric circuit device is correspondingly reduced, thus resulting in anoverall simplification of systems of this kind and also in theelimination of possible sources of trouble, thus affording an improvedreliability of operation.

Fig. 5 is essentially an explanatory block dia gram and, aside from thedevices appertaining to the master scanner MS, includes only the devicesassociated with three of the color scanners. According to Fig. 5, theentire system is energized from line terminals LI and L2 for connectionto an alternating-current line. The energization of the system as awhole is controlled by contact devices whose control elements include'io'ur push-button contacts MON, MOF, MAU,

MMA that are located in the panel of a central control station CST. Thecompensator motors, such as motors NC I, BCI and N02 shown in Fig. 5,are controlled by individual motor control units, such as thoserepresented at 'NEI, BEI and NE2, respectively. Associated with eachmotor control unit is a group of four push-button contacts located inthe control station CST, such as the push buttons NAU, NMA', NRA and NRBappertaining to the motor control unit NEI. Located above this group ofpush buttons is a register indicator NII, and similar indicators, suchas those denoted by BII and Eli, are located in the cobtrol station CSTabove the respective other groups of motor control buttons.

The control unit for the adjusting motor MC, appertaining to the masterscanner MS, is shown schematically at MD in Fig. 5. This control unit MDis associated with push buttons MSA and M83 which are located in thepanel of the control station CST and serve to operate motor MC in one orthe other direction (ahead or back).

The motor. control systems for the other scanner adjusting motors, suchas motors NAI, BAI and NA2, are schematically shown at NDI, EDI and ND2,respectiveLv. Each of these scanner control units is equipped with apushbutton station, such as those denoted by NPI, BPI and NPZ. Thesestations are preferably located near the central control station or mayform part thereof. Each push-button station has two buttons, such asthose denoted by NSA' and N818 in station NPI, to operate theappertaining motor for moving the scanner ahead and back, respectively.

by the mixer NFI remains at rest. When the im- I pulses occur atdifferent moments, the compensator motor NCI is caused to move inone orthe other direction depending upon whether the impulses from the colorscanner NSI lag or lead those from the master scanner MS. This will bemore fully understood from the following.

For the purpose of a detailed description, it'

It will be noted that the description of the controls for the scanneradjusting motors is included in that of the scanners, and that whendescribing the compensator motor control systems, a distinction is madebetween the appertaining field control circuits and armature controlcircuits.

commonerl. Photoelectric scanners The upper left corner area of Fig; 6shows the master scanner MS, the appertaining motor MC and the controlunit MD for motor MC. The housing 3| of the master scanner contains aphotoelectric tube 32 and a light source 33. The light from source 33 isfocused by an optical system 34 onto the scanning wheel MSD. The phototube 32 is focused by an optical system 35 onto the focal spot of system34. Hence, the photo tube 32 is illuminated by reflected light from thesurface of the scanning disc MSD, and this light is intercepted eachtime a slot i3 of wheel MSD passes through the focal area. The housing3i of scanner ITS is adjusted by the threaded shaft it under controlby-the armature 31 of motor MC. This motor has two field windings 38 and39 and receives energization from a suitable current source ll undercontrol by the normally open push-button contacts MSA and M38 which areidentical with those shown in the control station CST in Fig. 5. Theoutput from photo tube 32 (Fig. 6) is amplified by an electronicamplifier 42 and applied to the primary 43 of an impedancematchingstep-down transformer TRI whose secondary 44 is connected to a cable 45which is preferably shielded and may contain twisted conductors.- Thiscable is connected with all mixer units of the system. For instance,according to Fig. '6, a shielded branch cable 46 connects cable 45 tothe primary 4! of an impedance-matching step-up transformer TR2 whosesecondary 43 represents one of the two input elements of the mixer NFIOnly one of the color scanners is shown in Fig. 6, namely, the colorscanner NSI associated with the black printing press NPI (see Fig. 1).The housing of color scanner NSI is equipped with a photo tube 52 (Fig.6) and a light source 33, 06 both focused on the marginal register marksimprinted on the web W. The motor NAI for adlusting the scanner NSI hastwo field windings 5B and 59- to operate in one or the other directiondepending upon which field winding is energized at a time. A suitablecurrent source 8| provides energization for armature 5!v of motor NAIunder control by normally open pushbutton contacts NBA and NSB which areidentical with those denoted by the same reference characters in Fig. 5.The output of photo tube 1 52 is passed through an amplifier 82 (Fig. 6)and applied to the primary B3 of a step-down impedance-matchingtransformer TR3 whose secdesired accuracy and reliability of controlperformance.

The particular design of the scanners and of the appertaining adjustingdevices is not essential to the present invention. For instance, ifdesired, the amplifiers (I2, 62) may be eliminated when using aphotoelectric tube of the electron-multiplier type as shown in ourabovementioned copending application, Serial No. 715,300, and thescanner adjusting means may also be designed in accordance with thatapplication.

2. Mixer unit The mixer NFI comprises an electronic trigger circuit withalternately conductive trigger pentodes TI and'TZ. The power source forthe trigger circuit is represented at TI and includes a voltage divider12 with terminals 13, H and taps l5, l6 and 11.

The plate voltage for tubes TI and T2 is obtained from the voltagedivider 12, between taps l5 and H and the respective leads 18 and 19.Lead 18 is connected through plate load resistors 8| and 82 to theanodes of tubes TI and T2, respectively.

The suppressor grids of tubes Ti and T2 are impressed by negative biasfrom a rheostat 83 through a lead 84 and through resistors 85 and 88,respectively. Nullifying voltage of positive polarity is applied to thesuppressor grid of tube Tl through resistor 81 from the plate of tubeT2, a capacitor 88 being connected across resistor 81. Nullifyingvoltage of positive polarity is applied to the suppressor grid of tubeT2 through resistor 89, with bypass capacitor 9!, from the plate of tubeTl. Capacitor 88 serves to neutralize the inter-electrode(suppressor-plate) capacitance of tube T2, while capacitor 9| has acorresponding function relative to tube Tl.

Screen voltage for tubes TI and T2 is derived from tap 16 of voltagedivider 12 through a lead 82 which is positive with respect to thecommon cathode lead 19 of the two tubes.

The voltage for the control grid for the tube Ti is taken from across anadjusted portion of a rheostat 93 connected to the secondary 88 of theinput transformer T2. Hence the control grid of tube TI is under controlby the impulses from the master scanner MS. The control grid of tube T2is connected through a rheostat SI and a capacitor 95 to the secondary88 of the input transformer TBA to be impressed by the impulses fromcolor scanner NSI.

Since the bias voltages normally effective at the suppressor grids oftrigger tubes TI and T2 are negative with respect to the tube cathodes,and since, with rheostats 83 and 84 properly adjusted, the bias voltageat the control grids of both tubes is normally zero, positive impulses0r hall waves impressed on the control grids from transformers TR2 andTBA do not influence the plate current of tubes Ti and T2. However, thearrival of a negative impulse at the control grid of one tube willtransfer the plate current from that tube to the other tube. Forexample, a negative impulse impressed on the control grid of tube Tl,due to the passage of a scanning wheel slot through the focal spot ofmaster scanner MS, interrupts the flow of plate current in tube TI. Theanode of tube Tl becomes more positive relative to the common cathodelead 18. The suppressor grid of tube T2 becomes less negative, relativeto the cathode lead I3, and causes the tube T2 to conduct more platecurrent. This increase of plate current in tube T2 causes its anode toassume a reduced positive voltage with respect to the cathode lead As aresult, the suppressor grid of tube Tl becomes more negative withrespect to the cathode lead and maintains tube Tl in non-conductivestate. Tube Ti then remains non-conductive until its negative suppressorvoltage is removed by the interruption of the plate current in tube Tldue to the arrival of a negative impulse, at the control grid of tubeT2, from the transformer T4 of color scanner NSI. Then, the flow ofplate current is transferred back to tube Tl.

If negative impulses are simultaneously impressed on the control gridsof tubes TI and T2, the tubes conduct alternately, and theabovedescribed transfer of plate current occurs each time the impulsesare received from the two scan ners. This condition obtains when thecolor impression (of press NPI, see Fig. l) is in register with theyellow impression (at press YPI Since the slots l3 of the scanning wheelMSD and the printed register marks on the web W are spaced equally andin proper relation to each other, the successive periods of conductanceare equal; and these periods become unequal only as a result ofmisregister.

The voltage drops across the load resistors II and 82 of tubes TI andT2, respectively, are at a maximum when the appertaining tube conductsand at a minimum when the tube is blocked. These voltage pulses areapplied to the respective two sections of a dual triode T3.

The dual triode T3, which may be replaced by two individual triodes ifdesired, couples the above-described trigger tube circuits to the fieldcontrol system MFC of motor NCI. Tube T3 acts as a direct-currenttransformer and prevents the alternating current in the motor fieldcontrol tubes from interfering with the direct current in the triggertube circuits. Both cathodes of tube T3 are connected to cathode lead I9through a resistor 81. The plate 98 of one section of tube T3 isconnected to the positive terminal 13 of rheostat 12 through a loadresistor 99 and a lead IN. The plate I02 of the other section of tube T3is connected to lead llil through load resistor I83. The control gridI84 of the first tube section is connected through a resistor I85 to theplate of trigger tube T2. The control grid I06 of tube T3 is connectedthrough resistor II! to the plate of trigger tube TI. The grid circuitof the first (left) section of tube T3 extends as follows:

Grid IM- I 8882I 8-13-42-41-18-81- first cathode of TI This grid circuitincludes two voltage sources,

namely, the portion of rheostat I2 between points I and 11 whichprovides a constant voltage, and the load resistor 82 of trigger tube T2which provides a variable voltage drop whose condition depends onwhether tube T2 is conductive or nonconductive. Similarly, the secondgrid circuit of tube T3 extends as follows:

This grid circuit includes the constant voltage source I2 (betweenpoints I5 and 11) and the load resistor 8| which acts as a source ofvariable voltage controlled by tube TI. Hence, which of the two sectionsof tube T3 conducts time depends on which of the two trigger tubes iscon ductive. Consequently, the amplified voltage drops appearing acrossthe respective load resistors 91 and I03 of tube T3 are likewisedependent upon which of the two trigger tubes is conductive. Since thetrigger tubes are alternately triggered, amplified voltages will appearalternately across resistors 99 and I03. Connectedacross resistors 91and I03 is a coupling circuit which includes two resistors III and II 2each shunted by a smoothing capacitor H3 or ill. This coupling circuitextends as follows: 99-II5-IIl/II3II2/II4-II6---I03 99- The two loadresistors 99 and I03 in this circuit represent two series-opposedvoltage sources. In consequence, during half-wave periods in which loadresistor 99 is traversed by current from plate 98 of tube T3, thevoltage impressed by resistor 99 across terminal points Ill and H8 ofresistors III and H2 has one direction, and during the other half-waveperiod, when load resistor I03 is traversed by current from plate I02 oftube T3, the voltage impressed by resistor I03 across terminal pointsIll and H0 has the opposite direction. Durin the Just-mentionedhalf-wave periods, the respective capacitors H3 and H4 are charged. Inthe intermediate half-wave periods, the capacitor H3 or II4 discharges.As a result, the resultant voltage E that appears between terminalpoints I I1 and I I0 is approximately constant and unidirectional. Whenthe register marks responded to by the color scanner NSI are in properregister with the impulses from the master scanner MS, the alternatingconductive periods of the trigger tubes TI and T2 have equal duration sothat the resultant voltage E is zero. When the response of the colorscanner NSI is out of synchronism with that of the master scanner MS,the periods of conductance of tubes TI and T2 become unequal so that thevoltage E assumes a finite value whose magnitude and polarity dependupon the extent and direction of the misregister. As will be explainedbelow, the occurrence and polarity of the voltage E are used forgoverning the control of the compensator motor NCI in the sense requiredto reestablish register.

3. Register indicator The register indicator NII (Figs. 5 and 6)consists substantially of a small cathode ray tube with an anode I2I onwhich a luminous butterfly pattern appears which can be deflected toeither side by deflector electrodes I22 and I23. The

cathode of tube NI I is connected, by lead I24, to

the cathodes of the amplifier tube T3. The de- 99 and I03. When theyellow and black impressions are in register so that the impulses frommaster scanner MS and color scanner NSI occur simultaneously, thevoltages across resistors 99 and I03, as explained, are equal. Asaresult, the shadows cast by the deflector electrodes onto. the anode I2I of indicator tube NII appear to be equally distributed over surface,and, due to persistence of vision, a symmetrical pattern of light isexhibited. When the impulses from master scanner and color scanner arenot simultaneous, due to the occurrence of misregister, the ray controlvoltages at electrodes I22 and I23 are'unequal so that the luminouspattern becomes asymmetrical and leaves one or the other side of theanode I2I in indicator tube more or less shaded. In this manner, thetube NRI exhibits theoccurrence and direction of misregister.

4. Control contactors The control units NDI, BDI, etc. (see Fig. 5), allenergized from common power supply terminal, are under control by commonmaster control devices. These master devices are desigtrol systemassociated with the respective other -color scanners and compensatormotors. The

common master control devices, aside from the above-descri ed masterscanner MC and scanning disc MSD, comprise a main switch MSW, and amaster selector switch main relays MBA and MRM (Fig. 6).

The main switch MSW is provided with two 'push buttons MON and MOF(Figs. 5, 6) located in the panel of the control station CST (Fig. 5)and controls the supply of power from the line terminals LI, L2 (Figs.5, 6) either dire tly or, as shown, by a line contactor MLC (Fig. 6).When push button MON is depressed, the main buses I3I and I32 areconnected to the line terminals Ll, L2; when button MOF is depressed, asshown, the buses I3I and I32 aredeenergized.

Conn cted across buses I 3i and I32 is the primary I33 of a powertransformer NTR with four secondaries I34, I35, I39 and I31. TransformerNTR provides energization for the motor control devices appertaining tothe compensator motor NCI (Figs. 1, 5, 6). The corresponding powertransformers for the other compensator motors (BCI, RCI, RC2, BC2, NC2,see Fig. 1) are also connected to the buses I3I and I32 in parallel toone another (not shown) and in parallel to the illustrated transformerNTR. For instance, these other transformers may be connected across thecircuit points marked I38 and I39 in Fig. 6. Hence when button MON ofmaster switch MSW is depressed, the power transformers for allcompensator motors are energized.

The master selector switch MSS has a contact I 41 (Fig. 6) controlledbythe two push buttons MMA and MAU (Figs. 5, 6) located in the panel ofthe control station CST (Fig. 5). When button both sides of the anodeMSS associated with energizes the coil I45 of main control relay MRMwhich then closes a contact I46 to set all compensator motors for manualcontrol.

When the system is set for manual operation. by actuation of push buttonMMA and the closing of cont ct I46 in relay MRM, the coil I41 of a relayNEW with four contacts I48, I49, II and I52 is energized across thebuses I3I and I32 in the circuit I3II46-I53I41-I54-I32 and adjusts thecontrol system of compensating motor NCI for manual operation. Thismanual operation is then dependent upon the actuation of push buttonsNBA and NRB (Figs. 5, 6) which are located in the panel of the controlstation CST (Fig. 5), underneath the apertaining register indicator NII.With both buttons NRA and NRB unactuated, the motor NCI, when set formanual control, remains at rest. Actuation of button NRA causes the coilI56 of a relay NCA to close a contact I51 with the result of causingmotor NCI to move the compensating roller NRI in the direction to shiftthe black color impression ahead in the travel direction of the web.When button NRB is depressed, the coil I58 (Fig. 6) of a relay NCB iscaused to close a relay contact I59 in order to cause motor NCI to movethe compensating rol er in the other direction (back).

When the system is set for automatic operation, by actuation of buttonMAU and the closing of contact I44 in relay MRA, the coil I6I of acontrol relay NXA is energized across buses l3l and I32 in the circuitl3I--I44-I62I6I-I54- I32 and closes in relay NXA the contacts IE3 andI64, thus placing the motor control in condition for an automaticregulating performance of the compensator motor NCI. The last-mentionedcircuit includes the contact I62 of a unit selector switch NSS which hasanother contact I65 and is actuated by the push buttons NMA and NAU alsoshown in Fig. 5 to be located in the control station CST underneath theblack register indicator RII. The last-mentioned circuit is closed onlywhen the automatic" button NAU is depressed.

If the master selector switch MSS is set for "automatic" performance(button MAU depressed, contact I44 closed, contact I46 open), the motorNCI can nevertheless be set individually for manual control bydepressing the button NMA of switch NSS (Fig. 6). As a result, thecircuit of coil I6I in relay NXA is interrupted at contact IE2, whilecoil I41 of relay NXM is energized due to the closing of contact I65.Buttons NRA and NRB can then be actuated for adjusting the motor NCIindependent of the automatic compensating operation that may then beperformed by any of the other compensator motors.

While, as mentioned before, the master control devices (MSW, MSS, MRA,MRM) occur only once and are common to all compensator motor controlsystems, the individual control systems for the other compensator motors(see BCI, RCI RC2, BC2, NC2 in Fig. 1) are equipped with contactordevices of a design, arrangement and function similar to those of thedevices denoted in Fig. 6 by NSS, NRA, NRB, NCA, NCB, NXM and NXA, andthese corresponding devices of the other motor control systems areconnected, in parallel to one another, to the four terminals shown inFig. 6 at I61, and these other devices are operative in the mannerdescribed above with reference to the respective contact devices of theillustrated control system for motor NCI.

In summary, when buses I3I and I32 and all power transformers areenergized by actuation of button MON in switch MSW, and with the masterselector switch MSS set on manual (button MMA depressed), the individualcompensator motors are inoperative as long as the automatic" button (forinstance NAU) of the appertaining unit selector switch (for instanceNBS) is depressed, but are individually made sub ect to manualadjustment (by buttons NRA and NR3, for instance) when the unit selectorswitch is set on manual (by depressing button NMA of N88, (forinstance).

On the other hand, when the master selector switch M88 is set onautomatic" by depressing the button MAU, the individual motor controlscan either be operated automatically or manually, depending upon theselected setting of the respective unit selector switches (NSS, forinstance). This permits the following starting method. With the printingmachinery running at low or threading speed, the completed color printsare observed as to the occurrence of misregister. Any such misregisteris at first coarsely converted, while the master and unit selectorswitches are set on manual," by actuating the push buttons of theindividual register regulator motors (such as button NRA or NRB). Afterthe machine is coarsely adjusted in this manner, it is operated at thehigher (manual) speed. If desired, but not necessarily, the coarseadjustment is then repeated for some or all press units. During thisprocedure the position of scanners is not changed. Thereafter, themaster selector switch M58 is set on automatic while all unit selectorswitches remain at first on manual." The operator now observes theregister indicator (for instance NII) of each individual unit andeliminates any remaining misregister in that unit by adjusting orcalibrating the position of the scanners. This is done by actuating, ifnecessary, the push buttons of the scanner motors, such as button NSA orNSB, until the register indicator shows a symmetrical luminous pattern.(The master scanner, once properly positioned, need not, as a whole, beshifted during the just-mentioned procedure.) When an individual unit isproperly adjusted, the appertaining color impression is in accurateregister with the yellow (master) impression, and the operator sets theselector switch of that unit on automatic" (for instance, by depressingbutton NAU of switch NSS), thus transferring the unit to automaticoperation. The operator then repeats the procedure with each of theother units until all of them operate automatically. However, ifthereafter a major misregister should occur in any unit, the operatormay turn that unit back to manual adjustment by actuating the unitselector switch (for instance NSS) and he can then eliminate themisregister by manual control without interfering with the continuingautomatic operation of the other units. At any time, in the event of acomprehensive disturbance or for the purpose of repairs, the wholesystem can immediately be returned to manual by setting the masterselector switch MSS on manual.

5. Motor field control The armature I1I of compensator motor NCI (Fig.6) is energized by rectified current from the secondary I34 of powertransformer NTR. The motor field winding I12 receives rectifiedexcitation from the secondary I of transformer NTR. A rectifying andcontrol equipment, denoted as a whole by NAC and to be described in alater place, takes care of maintaining the armature "I under propervoltage and current conditions, while the running and stopping, as wellas the runnin direction, of the motor are controlled by controlequipment for the motor field winding I12, the latter equipment beingdenoted as a whole by NFC and described presently.

Aside from the above-mentioned relays NXM,

. point I15 between the resistors III and H2, in series with adirect-current source whose eflective voltage is determined by theposition of the slider oi. a rheostat I11 energized from a suitablevoltage source I18. One cathode I9I ot'tube D is connected through alead I92 to the anode of thyratron T4 under control by relay contactsI59 and I64. The other cathode I93 is connected,v through a lead I94, tothe anode of thyratron T5 under control by relay contacts I51 and I59.The anode of tubeT4 is connected through lead I 95. under control bycontact I59, to the cathode of tube T5, and another lead I86 connectsthe anode of tube T4 with the cathode of tube T5 under control bycontact I51.

When relay NXM is deenergized, the control grid 01' tube T4 is connectedthrough a resistor I9I, relay contact I52 and lead I92 to the terminalpoint I I1 of resistor I I I while the control grid of tube T5 is thenconnected through a resistor I99, relay contact I 49 and lead I94 to theterminal point H9 of resistor II2. connections, and since then the relayNXA-has its contacts I55 and I54 closed, the thyratrons T4 and T5 areunder control by the above-mentioned mixer output voltage E acrossresistors III and H2.

when relay NXM is energized, the grids of tubes T4 and T5 aredisconnected from the coupling circuit of resistors I I I and I I2 and,hence, not subje'ct to automatic control by the mixer'ioutput voltage E.Instead, the grid of tube T4 is now connected throughresistor I9I,contact I5I and a resistor I95 to the cathode of the same tube and,hence, not negatively biased so that tube T4 is capable of conductanceduring the half-wave periods in which the alternating voltage from thesecondary I35 of the power transformer NTR has the suitable polarity.Under the same conditions, the grid of tube T5 is connected throughresistor I93, contact I48 and a resistor I95 to the oathode of tube T5,so that the latter tube is capable of conductance in the half-waveperiods of cpposite polarity.

The fieldcontrol system operates as follows: Assume that the selectorswitch N88 is set. for manual operation. (button NMA depressed), thenthe relay NXA is deenergized, as shown, while relay NXM is energizedand, at contacts I49 and I52, disconnects the thyratron grid circuitsfrom With these grid the coupling resistors I II and II2. Suppose theoperator, by observing the register indicator NII pression ahead on theweb into register with the yellow impression. As long as button NRA isheld depressed, the relayis picked up and closes at field winding I12 isexcited in the circuit: I35

I91-I95-I82-I59-T4I88-I15-I35. This excitation is effective in thehalf-lwave periods of opposite polarity, while tube T5 remainsnon-conductive because its anode circuit is interrupted at contact I51.Consequently, the field winding I12 causes motor NCI to run in thedirection required to move the black impression back toward registerwith the yellow impression.

Considering now the automatic performance, it is assumed in thefollowing that the selector switches MSS and N88 are both set onffautomatic (buttons MAU and NAU depressed) so that relay NXA is pickedup and closes contacts I53 and I64, while relay NXM remains dropped out,as shown. The two thyratrons T4 and T5 are now connected in the fieldcircuit in inverse relation to each other but their conductance dependsnow 011 the condition of the mixer oiitput voltage E across resistorsIII and H2. The Just-mentioned field circuit can be traced as follows:

The circuit branch containing tube T4 is capable of conductance only inone half wave period of the alternating plate voltage and the branch oftube T5 only during the other half-wave period, such conductance beingdependent, however, upon the grid volta e then effective in either tube.

The grid circuit of tube T4, under the justmentloned setting, extends asfollows:

The grid circuit of tube T5 can be traced as follows:

The combination of dual diode D8 and shunt resistors I14, I15, whichforms part of these grid circuits provides two resistance paths whoserespective resistance values are determined by the polarity of the tubeT3. This combination D6-I14-I15 serves as an auxiliary to allow a commoncathode connection of the thyratrons T4 and T5 with the mixer couplingcircuit so that each thyratron (T4, T5) canbe separately impressed by avoltage between grid and cathode, the tube subjected to this voltagebeing determined by the circuit condition of the trigger tubes (TI, T2).

,The above-recited grid circuit (A) of tube T4 contains two sources ofgrid voltage, namely, the tapped-off portion of rheostat I11 whichprovides a constant voltage drop of adjusted magnitude,

15 and the coupling resistor Iii which provides a variable andreversible control voltage proportional to the above-mentioned voltageE.

The grid circuit (B) of tube T5 includes also two voltage sources, ofwhich one is identical with the tapped-off portion of rheostat ill toprovide a constant grid bias, while the other source is represented bythe coupling resistor I I2 to provide a variable and reversible controlvoltage proportional to voltage E. As mentioned above, the voltage E iszero as long as the yellow impression and the color impression are inregister but assumes a finite value of one or the other polarity duringthe existence of misregister. In the latter event, the finite controlvoltage across resistor ill in the grid circuit of tube T4 has apolarity relative to the constant bias voltage (Ec) that is opposite tothe corresponding relative polarity of the control voltage in the gridcircuit of tube T5. Consequently, at a moment when the voltage E, due tomisregister, has such a polarity as to increase the firing angle of tubeT4, it has the simultaneous effect of decreasing the firing angle oftube T5, or vice versa.

The tubes T4 and T5 conduct alternately during equal half-wave periodsas long as the voltage E is zero, i. e., as long as the impulses fromthe color scanner NSI occur simultaneously with those from the masterscanner MS. Thus a balanced alternating current is passed through thefield winding I12 of motor NCi so that the motor remains at rest. If,due to misregister, the impulses i'ali out of step so that voltage Eassumes a finite value of corresponding polarity, then one of the tubes,during each cycle period, conducts a longer period of time than theother so that a net flux is effective in the motor field, and the motorNC! is caused to revolve in the direction required to reestablishregister.

6. Armature control system The speed and torque of the compensator motorNCI, for any given control condition of the field control system NFC,depend on the energizing conditions of the motor armature I1 I, and itis the purpose of the illustrated armature control system NAC (Fig. 6)to regulate the armature energization for securing a substantiallyconstant operating speed regardless of load variations, and to permitadjusting the speed to any desired value within an available speed rangein order to adapt the equipment to the exact speed requirements, underconsideration of any intermediate gear or transmission ratios, of eachindividual printing press. Another function of the armature controlsystem NAC is to automatically limit the armature current to a selectedmaximum value to secure a proper acceleration and load limitation.

The armature control system NAC has two thyratrons or the like gaseousdischarge tubes Ti and T1 to supply full-wave rectified voltage toarmature ill from the mid-tapped secondary I34 0! the power transformerNTR. Series-connected between tubes T5, T1 and motor armature III is alow-ohmic resistor 20i which provides a reference voltage (Ec) for thecurrent-limit control circuit described below. Two mutuallyseriesconnected resistors 202 and 203, with their common midpoint tappedby a lead 204, form a voltage divider across the armature to provide areference voltage (Es) for speed control.

A dual triode T0, replaceable by two separate tubes if desired, operatesas a current-limiting device. One section of tube T8, including theplate 205 is energized from the secondary I38 oi power transformer N'IRthrough the resistor 01 a potentiometer rheostat 206 and serves as arectifier to supply a direct-current grid bias to the second section oftube T3. To this end, the control grid 201 of the second tube section isconnected, in series with a resistor 208, to the slide contact of therheostat 206. A capacitor 209 across rheostat 206 serves as a filter orsmoothing device, and a resistor 2 l I connects the anode 205 to theappertaining grid. The rheostat 206 permits adjusting the desiredmaximumlimit for the armature current of motor NCI,

A pentode T9 operates as a device for controlling the voltage of therectified current f om tubes T6 and T1. The plate circuit of tube T9includes a load resistor 2I2, shunted by a capacitor H3, and isenergized from a voltage divider arrangement of two resistors 2, H5which are traversed by current from a suitable source 2l6.Seriesconnected to resistors 2 l4 and 2 I5 is a potentiometer rheostat 2I I. Rheostat 2 l I has its slider connected to the mid-point lead 204of the abovementioned voltage divider resistors 202 and 203 and permitsad usting the sreed for motor NCi.

A resistor 2l0 connects the suppressor grid of tube T9 to a circuitpoint between resistors H4 and 2i 5. The control grid of tube T9 isconnected through a resistor 2l9 to a lead 22I attached to the cathodeof the control section of tube T8 and to the cathode lead 254 of thearmature-rectifier circuit.

The grids of the thyratrons T6 and T1 are connected through resistors222, 223 to two secondaries 224, 225 oi a transformer TR5 whose primary228 is energized from the secondary I31 oi power transformer NTR througha phase shift circuit comprising a resistor 22'! and a capacitor 228.The secondaries 224 and 225 of transformer TRS are connected to anetwork NTW composed of four resistors 22, 232, 233, 234 and rheostat235. A lead 235 connects network NTW to the tap point of a voltagedivider which is formed by two resistors 231, 230 and energized from asuitable source 239 of direct-current voltage. A lead I connectsresistor 230 to the plate of tube T9.

The grid circuit of thyratron T6 extends as follows:

The grid circuit of thyratron Tl extends from the grid through resistor223 and transformer secondary 225 to network NTW, and thence. throughthe subsequent elements of the justrecited grid circuit (C) of tube T6,to the cathode of tube T1.

The grid circuit (C) of thyratron T0 includes several sources ofcomponent grid voltages. One of these voltage components (El) isalternating and is supplied by the transformer secondary 224 and phaseadjusted by the adjustment of rheostat 235 in network NTW. The constantvoltage drops 17 across resistors 238, 2" and 2|! may be considered toprovide together a component bias voltage (E2) oi constant magnitude.The voltage drop across the load resistor 2l2-supplies another componentdirect-current voltage (E2), but this voltage varies in dependence uponthe operation of tubes '1! and T2 and has anautomatic reg- Y ponentHill) is provided by transfer secondary During the normal operation ofthe register regulator and as long as the load current in the armaturecircuit of motor NCI' remains below the limit value set by thecurrent-limit rheostat 208, the tube TI is biased to cut-oi! and hencenonconductive.

The speed-control tube T9 is normally biased to operate with mediumconductivity so that its load v resistor 2l-2 has a corresponding mediumvoltage drop. Since, as explained above, the resistor 2l2 is a commonsource of grid voltage for the two Hence, the increase in voltage acrossresistor 2.3, acting in series-opposition to the speed reference voltageadjusted at rheostat2ll, causes the control grid of tube T9 to becomemore positive with respect to the appertaining cathode,

- and tube T8 conducts more current so that the voltage drop across itsload resistor 2|2 increases in an amplified degree as compared with thevoltage change across resistor 203. As also explained, load resistor 2|2forms a common part of the grid circuits of thyratrons T6 and Ti (seecircuit C). Hence, the amplified voltage drop (E3) across resistor 2l2,acting in series-opposition to the constant reference grid bias (El),renders the resultant direct-current bias of the thyratron grid voltageless positive. Thus, the two thyratrons T6 and T1 arephased back, andtheir decreased firing angle causes the rectifled voltage to be reduced.In this manner, the voltage across the motor armature and therefore themotor speed are decreased to the previous value.

When, for instance due to an increase in motor load, the speed dropsbelow the correct value, the accompanying reduction in voltage dropacross resistor 203 has the efi'ect of decreasing the conductance oftube T! so that'the voltage drop (E3) across load resistor 2l2 declinesand causesanincreaseinfiringangleoftubesTi and 18 T1, thus increasingthe rectified voltage across motor armature ill to return the motor tothe normal speed value.

As a result, the motor speed is maintained substantially at the valuedetermined by the setting'of rheostat 2l'l regardless of loadvariations. If desired, the accuracy of speed regulation can beincreased by providing for IR drop compensation in a known manner (notshown).

The just-mentioned speed regulation is alone efiective in the armaturecontrol. system as long as the armature current remains below the safemaximum value. If this value is exceeded, for instance, due to theoccurrence of an excessive motor load, the following protectivefunction, controlled by tube T8, is superimposed. Any increase in loadcurrent causes a corresponding increase in voltage drop acrossthe-current-measuring resistor 2ll. Resistor 2! forms a source ofcontrol voltage in the circuit of grid 201 for tube Tl:2l'l--2ll2l62lll22l255.

In this circuit, the voltage drop of resistor 2!" acts inseries-opposition to the adjusted bias voltage across the tapped-oilportion of currentlimit rheostat 206. As long as the armature currentremains below the safe limit, the voltage drop across resistor 2M is notsufilcient to overcome the cut-off bias of tube T8. An excessive currentincrease, however, causes the grid 20! of tube T8 to become lesspositive, relative to the appertaining cathode, so that tube T8 conductscurrent between leads l and 255 in the circuit:

2l6. This current causes corresponding voltage drops across resistor 203and across the tappedoff portion of rheostat 2 l 1, respectively. Asmentioned, resistor 203 and rheostat 2H form part of the control gridcircuit (D) for tube T9. Consequently, the just-mentioned voltage dropsacross resistor 203 and rheostat 2l'I have the effect of making thecontrol grid of tube T9 more positive relative to the cathode so thattube T9 begins to conduct current through its load resistor 2l2.

Thus, the voltage drop across resistor 2l2 increases, and since thisresistor, as explained above, is one of the sources of component gridvoltage for the thyratron tubes T6 and T1 (see circuit C), the positivecomponent grid bias on the thyratrons is reduced, and the firing angleof tubes T6 and T1 is phase shifted so as to decrease the rectifiedenergizing voltage for the motor armature I'll. In consequence, thearmature current is regulated back to the limit valu set by the currentlimit rheostat 206.

In review, it will be recognized that the armature control system.permits setting the motor speed at any desired value within theavailable speed range (for instance of 1 to 10) so that the controlsystem can be adjusted to the particular requirements of differentapplications, such as differences in gear ratios at diiierent printingpresses, merely by selecting a proper adjustment of the speed controlrheostat 2ll, and that the system will then operate to maintain themotor speed substantially at the adjusted value.

It will also be apparent that the armature control system can readily beset for the currentlimit value proper for any particular installationmerely by setting the current-limit rheostat 206 accordingly. In thismanner, a proper and smooth acceleration of the compensator motors issecured. When the motors run under a continuing overload, thecurrent-limit control has, of course, the effect of reducing the motorspeed below the desired value, but the net result of the 19current-limit control on the speed control is that the motor is thenprotected from being overloaded without being stopped. Customaryprotective devices to guard against short circuits and unduly persistentoverloads may be added but are not shown in the drawings nor otherwisementloned in this specification because such devices are well known, anddo not form part of the invention proper.

While in the foregoing, our invention is described with reference to theparticular embodiment oi a multi-color printing press exemplified by thedrawings, its components or subcornbinations can be altered and modifiedin various respects without departing from the principles and essentialsof the invention. Hence, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that the invention, as set forth in the annexed claims,

includes embodiments other than the one specific'ally shown anddescribed.

We claim as our invention:

1. A printing-press regulator for registering the component impressionsof two separate multicolor prints under control by register marks of therespective first impressions of said respective prints, comprising aplurality of register control devices for varying the position of therespective subsequent impressions relative to the appertaining firstimpression. a corresponding plurality of control systems connected withsaid respective register control devices, each of said control systemsincluding an electronic mixer unit with two trigger tubes interconnectedand mutually interlocked for alternate operation and provided with tworespective grid circuits for controlling the appertaining control devicein response to changes in the time relation of two series of impulsesapplied to said grid circuits respectively, a single master impulsetransmitter connected to one of said grid circuits of each of said mixerunits to provide one of said series of impulses in a fixed phaserelation to the occurrence of the register marks at the printing placeof one of said first impressions, and a plurality of photoelectricscanners individually correlated to the respective subsequentimpressions and responsive to the passage of the register marks near therespective printing places of the subsequent impressions, said scannersbeing individually connected to said other grid circuits of saidrespective mixer units to provide said other series of impulses.

2. A printing-press regulator for registering the component impressionsof two separate multicolor prints under control by register marks of therespective first impressions of said prints, comprising a plurality ofregister control devices for varying the position of each subsequentimpression relative to the first impression of the appertaining print, acorresponding plurality of control systems connected with saidrespective devices, each of said control systems including an electronicmixer unit with two trigger tubes interconnected and mutuallyinterlocked for alternate triggering and provided with two respectivegrid circuits for controlling the appertaining control device inresponse to changes in the time relation of two series of impulsesapplied to said grid circuits respectively, a photoelectric masterscanner connected to one of said grid circuits of each of said mixerunits to provide one of said series of impulses, a rotatable bodyassociated with said master scanner and having a surface with regularlyspaced interruptions to be scanned by said master scanner, drive meansfor said body to rotate it in a fixed s eed relationto said registerprinting places of the subsequent impressions marks so that the passageof the register marks near the respective printing places of thesubsequent impressions, said scanners being individually connected tosaid other grid circuits of said mixer units respectively to providesaid other series of impulses for each of said mixer units.

3. A register regulator for registering the impressions or twomulti-color prints to appear on opposite sides of atraveling web,comprising two groups of register control devices for respectivelyvarying the position of each subsequent impression relative to the firstimpression of the appertaining print, two groups of control systemsconnected with said respective devices for individually controlling eachof said devices, each of said control systems including an electronicmixer unit with two trigger tubes interconnected and mutuallyinterlocked for alternate operation and provided with two respectivegrid circuits for controlling the appertaining control device inresponse to changes in the time relation of two series of impulsesapplied in said grid circuits respectively, a single master impulsetransmitter connected to one of said grid circulm of each 0! said mixerunits to provide one ofsaid series of impulses in a fixed phase relationto the printing of the first impressions of said two prints, and aplurality of photoelectric scanners individually correlated to therespective subsequent impressions so as to respond to the passage ofregister marks of the first impressions near the respective saidscanners being individually connected to said other grid circuits ofsaid mixer units respectively to provide said other series of impulsesfor each of said mixer units, and a back-up compensator having means forengaging the web between said two groups of devices for varying thelength 0! the web extending between the printing place of the lastimpression of the first print and the printing place of the firstimpression of the second print in order to permit placing the two printsin a desired positional relation to each other.

4. A register regulator to register on a traveling web the impressionsof a multi-color print under control by register marks of the firstprinted impression, comprising a plurality of register control devicesfor varying the position of the respective subsequent impressionsrelative to the first impression, a corresponding plurality of controlsystems connected with said respective devices and having each two inputcircuits for controlling the appertaining control device in response tochanges in the time relation of two series of impulses applied to saidcircuits respectively, a single master impulse transmitter connected toone of said input circuits of each of said control systems to provideone of said series of impulses in a fixed phase relation to the printingof the register marks, a plurality of photoelectric scannersindividually correlated to the subsequent impressions respectively anddisposed to respond to the passage of the register marks of the firstimpression near the respective printing places of the subsequentimpressions, said scanners being movable in a direction parallel to theweb travel and electrically connected to said other input circuitsrespectively to provide 21 said other series of impulses for each oisaid control systems, and scanner displacing devices connected with saidrespective scannersand actuable by the operator to shirt said respectivescanners in said direction for manual register correction.

5. A register regulator to register on a traveling web the impressionsof a multi-color print under control by register marks of the firstprinted impression, comprising a plurality of register control devicesfor varying the position of each subsequent impression respectivelyrelative to the first impression, a corresponding plurality of controlsystems connected with said respective devices and having each two inputcircuits for controlling the appertaining control device in re-1 'sponseto changes in the time relation of two series of impulses applied tosaid circuits respectively, a singlemaster impulse transmitter connectedtoione of said input circuitsoi each of said control systems to provideone of said series" of impulses in a fixed phas'erelation to theprinting of. the. register marks, a plurality of photoelectric scannersindividually correlated to the subsequent impressions respectively torespond-toe;

the passage'ot the register marks of the first impression near therespective printing places of the subsequent impressions, said scannersbeing movable in a direction parallel to the web travel input andelectrically connected to said other circuits respectively toprovide'said other series of impulses for each of said control systems,adjusting devices associated with said respective scanners and havingeach a member for shifting the appertaining scanner ahead and back 5 insaid direction, a reversible motor in driving connection with each 01'said members, and cperator-actuable selective means for individuallycontrolling said motors to run in one and the other. direction registercorrection.

6. A multi-color printing press regulator for registering subsequentimpression; with the first impression on a traveling web undercontrol'by register marks of the first impression, comprisins aplurality of compensator rolls for engaging the web between the printingplace of each two successive impressions, a plurality of reversiblecompensator motors connected to said respective rolls for displacingthem in order to establish register, a plurality of motor controlsystems connected with said respective motors, a plurality of manuallyoperable contact means for selectively controlling said individualmotors to displace said respective rollers in one and the otherdirection,

a plurality of automatic register control systems connected with saidrespective motor control systems and having photoelectric meansresponsive to saidregister marks for causing, when in operation, saidmotors to vary the positions of go said respective rollers so as tomaintain each subsequent impression in register with the firstimpression, operator-actuable master control means having twoselectively adjustable contact conditions and being connected with allof said motor as control systems so as to disconnect said motor controlsystems from said automatic control systems when said master controlmeans is in one of said conditions to then permit only an individualcontrol of said motors by said respective manu- 7o when said mastercontrol means are in the other 76 condition, a selective setting of eachof said mo tors for control by said manually operable contact means andby said automatic control system respectively.

. 7. A registerxregulator ior registering subsequent impressions ofmulti-color prints with the first impression under control by registermarks oi the first impression, comprising a photoelectric master scannerfor issuing a series of reference impulses in a fixed phase relation tothe printing of the register marks, a plurality of photoelectric colorscanners responsive to the passage of the register marks near theprinting places of the subsequent impressions respectively for issuingrespective seriesof comparative impulses, a pinrality of registerregulating devices for varying theposition of" said respectivesubsequent im- 'pressions relative to 'the first impression, itplurality of controlsystemsconnected with said respectivedevices-forcont'rolling the latter and including each: an electronicmixer unit having two trigger tubes interconnected for alternateoperation and provided with-two respective grid circuits for controllingthe appertaining register control devicein response to changes in thetime relation of said series of reference impulses and one of saidseries of comparative impulses, a stepdown transformer having a primaryconnected to said master scanner, a plurality of step-up transformershaving respective secondaries connected to one grid circuit of each ofsaid respective 1 mixer units and having respective primaries connectedto said secondary of said step-down transformer, a plurality ofadditional step-down transformers primarily connected to said respectivecolor scanners and having respective secondaries, and a, plurality ofadditional step-up transformers primarily connected to said lattersecondaries respectively and secondarily connected to said otherrespectively for manual 40 grid circuits respectively.

8. A register regulator for registering impressions in multi-colorprinting, comprising a plurality of register control motors forregistering re-- spective subsequent impression with the firstprintedimpression, each of said motors having an armature circuit provided withvoltage regulating means for controlling the motor speed and having afield circuit for providing reversible field excitation to control theoperation and running direction of said motor, said field circuit havingcircuit means for providing alternating current; and

having two controllable gaseous rectifier" tubes connected in mutuallyinverse relation to said circuit means so that the degree and directionof said field excitation depend upon which of said two tubes has alonger interval of conductance than the other during the voltage cycleof said alternating current, each of said tubes having a control circuitfor varying said condictance interval, an electronic mixer unit providedfor each of said motors and having two trigger tubes interconnected andmutually interlocked for alternate operation, said two trigger tubesbeing plateconnected to said control circuits to provide variablecontrol voltages thereior and having two respective grid circuits forcontrolling said control voltages in dependence upon changes in the timerelation of two series of impulses applied to said respective gridcircuits, impulse transmitting means connected to one of said gridcircuits and synchronized with the first impression to provide one ofsaid series of impulses, and photoelectric scanning means subject toregister marks of the first impression near the printing place of one ofsaid subsequent impressions and connected to said other grid circuit toapply thereto said other series of impulses, whereby. said fieldexcitation is controlled for-operating said motor in the directionrequired to maintain said one subsequent impression in register with thefirst impression.

9. A register regulator for registering impressions in multi-colorprinting, comprising a plurality of register control motors forregistering respective subsequent impressions with the firstprintedimpression, each of said motors having a field circuit provided withmeans for supplying alternating current and including two controllablegaseous rectifier tubes interconnected in inverse relation to each otherto provide for said motor a field excitation whose degree and resultantpolarity depend upon which of said two tubes has a longer interval ofconductance than the other relative to the voltage cycle of thealternating current, each of said tubes having a control circuit forvarying said conductance interval, an electronic mixer unit provided foreach of said motors and having two trigger tubes interconnected andmutually interlocked for alternate operation, said two trigger tubesbeing plate-connected to said control circuits to provide variablecontrol voltages therefor and having two respective grid circuits forcontrolling said control voltages in dependence upon changes in the timerelation of two series of impulses applied to said respective gridcircuits, impulse transmitting means connected to one of said gridcircuits and synchronized with the printing of said first impression toprovide one of said series of impulses, and photoelectric scanning meanssubject to register marks of the first impression near the print- 3 said'motor in the direction required to maintain said one subsequentimpression in register with the first impression, said motor having anarmature circuit provided with circuit means for supplying alternatingcurrent and including two controllable gaseous rectifier tubes forproviding rectified armature current, said latter two tubes havingrespective control circuits for varying the voltage of said armaturecurrent, and voltage control means connected with said latter controlcircuits for varying said latter voltage in dependence upon the motorspeed so as to maintain said speed normally at a constant value.

10. A register regulator for registering impressions in multi-colorprinting, comprising a plurality of register control motors forregistering respective subsequent impressions with the firstprintedimpression, each of said motors having a field circuit provided withmeans for supplying alternating current and including two controllablegaseous rectifier tubes interconected in inverse relation to each otherso that the degree and direction of the field excitation depend uponwhich of said two tubcs has a longer interval of conductance than theother relative to the voltage cycle of the alternating current, each ofsaid tubes having a control circuit for varying said conductanceinterval, an electronic mixer unit provided for each of said motors andhaving two trigger tubes interconnected and mutually interlocked foralternate operation, said two trigger tubes being plate-connected tosaid control circuits to provide variable control voltages therefor andhaving two respective grid circuits for controlling said controlvoltages in dependence upon changes in the time relation of two series24 of impulses applied to said respective grid circuits, impulsetransmitting means connected to one of said grid circuits andsynchronized with the printing of the first impression to provide one ofsaid series of impulses, and photoelectric scanning means subject toregister marks of the first impression near the printing place 0! one ofsaid subsequent impressions and connected to said other grid circuit toprovide therefor said other series of impulses. whereby said fieldexcitation is controlled to operate said motor in the direction requiredto maintain said one subsequent impression in register with the firstimpression, said motor having an armature circuit provided with circuitmeans for supplying alternating current and including two controllablegaseous rectifier tubes for providing rectified armature current,said.latter two tubes having a control circuit for varying the voltageof said armature current, a speed-adjusting potentiometer rheostatconnected with said latter control circuit for providing a speedreference voltage therefor, and speed-responsive means connected withsaid motor and disposed in said latter control circuit to provide avariable control voltage so as to cause said latter two tubes to varythe voltage oi said armature current in order to normally maintain themotor speed substantially at a value determined by the setting of saidrheostat.

11. A register regulator for registering impressions in multi-colorprinting, comprising a plurality of register control motors forregistering respective subsequent impressions with the firstprintedimpression, each of said motors having a field circuit and an armaturecircuit, an impulse transmitter for providing a series of referenceimpulses indicative of the position of the first impression, .aphotoelectiic scanner located near the printing place of a subsequentimpression for providing another series of impulses indicative of theposition of the subsequent impression relative to the first impression,an electronic mixer unit input-connected to said transmitter and to saidscanner and output-connected to said field circuit for controlling thelatter to provide for said motor a field excitation of a degree andpolarity dependent upon the change in time relation between said twoseries of impulses, said motor having an armature circuit provided withmeans to supply unidirectional current, regulating means in said arrr.ature circuit for controlling the voltage of said current, andadjustable rheostat means connected with said regulating means forcausing the latter to control said voltage for maintaining said motor ata speed corresponding to the selected adjustment of said rheostat.

12. A register regulator for registering impressions in multi-colorprinting, comprising a plurality of register control motors forregistering respective subsequent impressions with the firstprintedimpression, each of said motors having a field circuit and an armaturecircuit, an impulse transmitter for providing a series of referenceimpulses indicative of the position of the first impression, aphotoelectric scanner located near the place of occurrence of asubsequent impression for providing another series of impulsesindicative of the position of the subsequent impression relative to thefirst impression, an electronic irixer unit input-connected to saidtransmitter and to said scanner and output-connected to said fieldcircuit for controlling the latter to provide for said motor a fieldexcitation of a degree and polarity dependent upon the change in timerelation between said two series of impulses, said a,soo,sso

dicative of the magnitude. of said current, 'a current-limit controldevice connected with said control circuit and attached to said seriesresistor so as to impose a bias voltage on said control circuit whensaid current magnitude exceeds a given" value in order to then causesaid rectifier means to reduce the voltage oi saidarmature current.

13. A register regulator for registering impressions in multi-colorprinting, comprisinga plurality of register control motors forregistering respective subsequent im with the first-printed impression,each of said motors hav-.

ing a field circuit and an armature circuit, an impulse transmitter forprovidinga series of ref-- erence impulses indicative oi! the positionof the first impression, a photoelectflcscanner located nearith'eprinting place of a subsequent impression for providing another seriesoi impulses indicative of the position of the submquent impressionrelative to the first impression, an. electronic mixer unitinput-connected to said field Y circuit for controlling the latter toprovide field" excitation of a degree and polarity dependent upon thechange in time relation between said twoseries of impulses, said motorhaving an armature, circuit means for supplying alternating .current,two controllable gaseous rectifier tubes connected between said circuitmeansjand said armature in inverse relation to each other to pro-. -viderectified ,current for said armature, said tubes having respectivecontrol circuits for phase shifting the firing angle of said tubesrelative to the. voltage cycle of said alternating current, "a

resistor connected with said control circuits to provide therefor avariable voltage drop to con- .trol said phase shifting, an electroniccontrol tube having a'plate circuit which includes said resistor so thatsaid voltage drop depends upon the conductance oi said tube, saidcontrol 'tube having a grid circuit for varying said conductance,speed-responsive circuit'means connected with said motor and disposed insaid grid circuit for imposing in said grid circuit a voltage dependentupon the motor speed, adjustable circuit means disposed in said gridcircuit for imposing thereon a constant reference voltage in accordancewith a desired speed adjustment so that 26 colored impressions of whichthe first one includes register marks while the subsequent impressionsare superimposed on the first one, the combination of a registerregulator comprising a plurality of compensator rollers disposed betweeneach two of said presses to engage a loop portion oi the'web and beingdisplaceable to vary the length of the loop portion, a pluralityofreversible compensator motors connected with said rollers respectivelyfor positioning said rollers, a plurality of electronic control systemsfor said respective motors, E-eachsystem-having a mixer unit with twomutually interlocked trigger tubes having two respective grid circuitsfor controlling the appertaining 'motor in response to changes in timerelation between two series of impulses applied to said respective gridcircuits,

an impulse transmitter having a movable member mechanically connectedwith said machinery of said series of impulses, and a plurality ofphotoelectric scanners disposed, respectively, near the presses forprinting said subsequent impresto the other grid circuit of the onemixer unit appertaining to the compensator motor of said one roller forproviding said other series of impulses,

said scanners being movable in a direction parallel tothe web travel andhaving individual adlusting means for displacing each scanner in saiddirection. a

15. In combination, a m'ulti-color printing press having two groups ofprinting presses for producing two color prints on both sides of atravelingweb' by superimposing upon one another a a plurality ofdifferently colored impressions. in each of said groups under controlby'register marks of the first impression of each group, a

common drive shaft mechanically connected with said presses of bothgroups to operate them in a fixed speed relation to' each other, animpulse transmitter having a rotatable member mechanically connectedwith said shaft for issuing a series of impulses in a fixed relation tothe occurrence of the register marks, a plurality of photor electricscanners,'one i'or each of said presses ex- I cepting the presses thatproduce the first impressions in said tworespective groups, each of saidscanners being focused onto said register marks near the entrance ofsaid web into the one press associated with said scanner so that saidscanner issues a series of impulses in response to said marks, aplurality of compensator rollers dissaid conductance of said controltube is'controlled to normally maintain the'motor speed at a valuesubstantially in accordance with said adjustment, a resistorseries-connected between said armature and said rectifier tubes toprovide a current-measuring voltage drop dependent posed between eachtwoof said presses to engage a loop portion of the web and beingdisplaceable to vary the length of the loop portion, a plurality ofreversible compensator motors connected with said respective rollers forpositioning said rollers, a plurality of electronic control systems.for'said respective motors, each system having a mixer unit with twomutually interlocked trigger tubes having two respective grid circuitsconnected-of which one isconnected to said impulse transmitter while theother grid circuit is connected to the one scanner associated with thepress immediately following the one compensator roller to be controlledby the mixer unit so that the motor appertaining to said latter rolleris controlled in accordance with changes in time relation between theseries of impulses issued by 27 said transmitter and the series ofimpulses issued by said one scanner.

16. with multi-color printing press machinery having a plurality ofsuccessively operating masses to imprint a traveling web withdiil'erently colored impressions of which the first one includesregister marks while the subsequent impressions are superimposed on thefirst one, the combination of a register regulator comprising aplurality of compensator rollers disposed between each two of saidpresses to engage a loop portion of the web and being displaceable tovary the length of the loop portion, a plurality of reversiblecompensator motors connected with said rollers respectively forpositioning said rollers. a plurality of electronic control systems forsaid respective motors, each system having two respective input circuitsfor controlling the appertaining motor in response to changes in timerelation between two series of impulses applied to said respectivecircuits, a rotatable scanning wheel having regularly spaced surfaceinterruptions and being mechanically connected to said presses so thatsaid interruptions move in a ilxed relation to the movement of saidregister marks, a photoelectric master scanner focused onto said wheelfor issuing one of said series of impulses in response to the passage ofsaid interruptions, a plurality of photoelectric scanning devices, onefor each of said presses with the exception of the one press producingthe first impression. each oi said scanning devices being focused ontosaid register marks near the entrance of said web into the one pressassociated with said scanner so that said scanner issues a series ofimpulses in response to said marks, one 01 said circuits of each controlsystem being connected to said master scanner and said other circuitsbeing individually connected to said respective scanning devices.

17. A combination as set forth in claim 18, comprisingoperator-controllable control means in engagement with said masterscanner for displacing the latter in opposite directions substantiallyalong the path oi travel 01' said interruptions.

FRANCI8 T. BAILEY. STEPHEN L. BURGWIN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 4 Number Name Date 2,151,570 Bhoults et a1 Mar.21, 1939 2,230,715 Cockrell Feb. 4, 1941 2,250,209 Shoults et al. July22, 1941 2,356,567 Cockrell Aug. 22, 1944 2,396,706 Kott Mar. 19, 1946

